Top products of the year
December 2002
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Tire pressure monitoring system
Johnson Controls' PSI rearview mirror tire pressure monitoring system includes a specially designed rearview mirror and four tire pressure monitoring sensors. The mirror uses radio frequency technology to deliver timely and accurate pressure information within 6.9 kPa (1 psi). Small transmitters integrated into special tire valves send data directly to a receiver integrated within a windshield-mounted rearview mirror. When the system is activated, the actual pressure of each tire is shown on a backlit display.
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Telematics system
Siemens Automotive's Quick-Scout PDA uses a personal digital assistant (PDA) programmed with the firm's Automotive Quick-Scout Advanced Travel Information System (ATIS) technology. When docked and interfaced with the vehicle, the PDA is transformed into a powerful telematics system. In-vehicle access to normal PDA functions such as phone/address information and to-do lists is provided. An ergonomically placed push/turn knob or voice-recognition technology provides an alternate interface with the PDA, not requiring the standard stylus interaction when docked.
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Flat-panel loudspeakers
With a minimum thickness requirement of only 0.3 mm (0.012 in), NXT high-fidelity loudspeakers using Surface-Sound technology can be incorporated into sun visors, headrests, or even molded into the dashboard, door panels, and interior components. The technology offers acoustical benefits and installation options not possible with conventional loudspeakers. The loudspeakers create a smooth, seamless sonic blend throughout the vehicle, without the beaming and discontinuity of standard cone-type car audio speakers. High-fidelity loudspeakers can be fabricated in virtually any size and shape, including curved or countoured designs to invisibly blend into a vehicle's interior.
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High-intensity discharge driving lamp
Hella, Inc.'s Micro Xenon Driving Lamp combines Free-Form Reflector Technology, Xenon performance, and a compact size—which allows for flexible mounting even in the most confining areas—to create an auxiliary driving lamp. The offset, vapor-coated, magnesium reflector delivers an extremely precise beam pattern. The system uses a compact ballast that mounts behind the bumper or grille. The unit is capable of igniting the lamp in less than a second. To ensure safety in the event of a collision, a fault protection circuit will switch off the current in less than 0.2 s.
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Lightweight composite
Moldite Technologies' Moldite is a lightweight, high-strength, thermal-set resin composite sandwich material. It features a high stiffness-to-weight ratio and offers a high-performance alternative to materials such as ultra-high-strength steel and aluminum. Moldite core materials can be engineered to exceed the tensile strength of flanking long-fiber materials including carbon, glass, or aramid fibers.
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Automotive camera vision products
The Camera Vision Group of Donnelly Corp. features a line of automotive camera vision products that offers drivers better views of their vehicles' interiors and exteriors. The VideoMirror Camera Vision System, which includes BabyVue and CabinVue, gives a forward facing driver a rear view of a car's interior. ReversAid and TowChek offer drivers a better view of the area behind their vehicles when they are backing up. Each of the products uses a small, flip-down video screen that is mounted on the vehicle's rearview mirror. The screen displays images captured by low-profile, discrete cameras mounted in the car.
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Traction drive motor
Emerson Motors was selected by Ecostar Electric Powertrain—a joint venture of Ballard Power Systems, Ford Motor Co., and DaimlerChrysler—and Power Conversion Systems to assist in the development of electric traction motors for fuel-cell-powered electric vehicles. Emerson partnered with Ecostar to develop the primary drive unit, which consists of a traction inverter module and motor/transaxle. An induction motor is integrated into a single drive package containing the inverter power supply, traction motor, and differential assembly, which reduces the number of parts and weight. According to the company, the oil-lubricated, water-cooled induction motor provides a torque source whose power density and speed range are unmatched in the industry.
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HID headlamp
Beginning in model year 2002, Valeo Sylvania introduced an advanced high-intensity discharge (HID) module with automatic leveling, which is required in Europe as a safety measure to minimize headlight glare from oncoming vehicles at night. HID light sources produce about three times the light at a lower wattage than traditional lamps, provide better road visibility, and last two to three times longer than standard halogen bulbs, according to the company.
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Disc brakes
NewTech's heavy-duty, full-contact disc brakes are designed for Class 7 and 8 trucks. The brake consists of two annular pads—both outboard and inboard—that grip the entire surface of the disc, distributing pressure over 360° for maximum friction area. The brake's knuckle has a NewTech Mecatronic torque sensor that transmits the torque exerted on the brake to a control system. Incorporated in the "spider," which integrates the brake system, is a pneumatic diaphragm (an elastomer-composite membrane) that can withstand 15 times the required pressure. A rigid piston, used for wear compensation and as a thermal barrier, is keyed in the inboard pad. A driving hub connects the single cast-iron rotor to the wheel, which helps ventilate the brake and dissipate heat through the fins within the rotor. A cast-iron housing is designed to optimize the use of space in the wheel.
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Electrohydraulic pressure supply
Hydraulik-Ring's electrohydraulic pressure supply (EHPS) provides flexible packaging in the engine compartment, small space requirements, cost reduction through fewer components, simple implementation due to modular design, easy adaptation to the sensor technology of the customer, and reduced power consumption. The EHPS adapts easily to customer-specific sensor technology and is a suitable pressure supply for power steering systems.
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